FREETOWN, Sept. 18, 2026 – Magistrates’ Court No. 4 in Freetown has dismissed criminal charges against two senior officials of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), citing a lack of evidence, bringing an end to nine months of legal proceedings/
The charges were brought against LNP Executive Director, Prince Tommy Williams, and Finance Director, Mohammed Turay, both prominent human rights defenders who have been at the center of a protracted dispute over the ownership of LNP’s land in Kuntorloh, Freetown.
Despite the court’s decision, national and international human rights organizations, including Front Line Defenders and the Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL), have expressed concern over what they describe as ongoing intimidation, threats and harassment targeting the two activists and the organization.
Williams, who has led LNP for more than 25 years, is widely recognized for his role in coordinating community responses during Sierra Leone’s Ebola outbreak. Turay, who oversees the organization’s agricultural and blood donation projects, is also known for advocacy work against gender-based violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation, while promoting girls’ education.
Court records show that Williams appeared before the court 25 times during the proceedings, while Turay made 19 appearances.
In December 2025, Williams was charged with riotous conduct, disorderly behaviour, incitement of violence and throwing stones. Turay was later charged in February 2026 with incitement and obstruction of police duty.
Although both men welcomed the dismissal of the charges, they have questioned the failure of authorities to investigate allegations of police violence committed against them during the dispute. They also claim that personal items seized by police, including Williams’ mobile phone, have yet to be returned.